Packaging Solutions
The eagerly awaited Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 opened its doors at the NEC Birmingham, drawing widespread acclaim from industry professionals for its emphasis on cutting edge technology, sustainable solutions set to redefine industry standards, and unmissable insights on evolving industry trends and regulations.
Day one of the two day event has already been hailed a major success by attendees and exhibitors alike, with many praising the dynamic atmosphere and innovative spirit that was demonstrated across the show floor.
In one of the highlights of the show schedule, leading figures from the packaging world came together for the first ever stakeholder presentation of PackUK, the administrator of the UK’s pEPR scheme. Sebastian Munden, chair of the EPR scheme administrator, hosted a panel of representatives from across the four nations, including Rhodri Asby (deputy director for resource efficiency and circular economy at Welsh Government), Emma Bourne (Director of Resources and Waste at DEFRA), Shane Doris (director of environmental resources policy division at Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland), and David McPhee (deputy director of circular economy division at Scottish Government). The panel explored how PackUK will deliver a fairer and more sustainable packaging industry while driving investment and innovation across the sector.
Speaking at the event in front of a packed conference zone, Sebastian Munden said: ‘This is an important milestone in the UK’s commitment to modernise packaging, waste management, and eliminate the idea of waste as we transition to a circular economy.’
As smart packaging technology continues to advance, manufacturers are attending the show to find answers to critical questions about its implementation. Jenny Stanley, managing director of Appetite Creative, set the stage for a panel of industry leaders to explore these challenges. The discussion focused on identifying when connected packaging delivers tangible return on investment, the obstacles that stand in the way, and how businesses can determine if it is the right move for their operations. From real world success stories to common implementation pitfalls, the panel provided actionable insights to guide smart packaging strategies.
A key takeaway for the audience was the need to have the role and value of connected packaging widely understood throughout a business, top to bottom.
Similarly, AI is giving the sharpest creative minds a kind of superintelligence, turning the previously impossible into reality. That was the picture painted by Tey Bannerman, partner at McKinsey & Company, highlighting the deeper, less visible transformation unfolding beneath the surface of the AI hype.
The first live Talking Rubbish podcast also proved to be a smash hit with attendees. A huge crowd gathered on the Innovation & Design Stage as podcast hosts Robbie Staniforth and James Piper led the conversation on creating premium paper packaging while responding to sustainability challenges. They were joined by William Connolly, senior principal scientist at Diageo, who said: ‘As someone who has been in the industry for a considerable time, I see this event as a catalyst for connection. I attend not just for the exhibits but as much for the people. It is a key gathering that brings together professionals from various roles, industries, and companies. You come because it is where people come.’
The show took time to recognise excellence through the Future Trailblazer ceremony, celebrating young talent poised to guide the industry's future. Five standout winners were highlighted: Aden Newbury from Kingfisher, who won the production delivery category; Jade Capp, also from Kingfisher, who secured the making it happen category; Hope Fletcher from Unilever, who took home the sustainable thinking award; Robert Rigby from Mailway, who won in the delivery management category; and Josephine Cooper from DS Smith, who was recognised in the design for future category. In addition to these awards, three certificates were presented to Michael Thompson from Bake & Bag, James O'Rourke from Mailway, and Anaïs Dubois from Kingfisher.
In addition, the ceremony also celebrated those who have helped shape the industry of today. The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Keith Barnes, an influential figure in the sector for more than 60 years.
This year’s Packaging Innovations & Empack features more than 450 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from across the packaging supply chain, including key players from the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. The event showcases the latest advancements in materials, machinery, and design, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions and efficiency.
Organised by Easyfairs UK, the event continues to grow in stature, with early indications suggesting a surge in visitor numbers compared to previous years. James Montero-MacColl, senior marketing manager at Easyfairs, hailed the event’s barnstorming success, saying: ‘We have had people from all angles of packaging, from brands to suppliers, coming to ask interesting questions about new legislation that is coming in. This event has become mandatory for packaging businesses looking to get inspired by the latest industry insights.
‘The feedback has been great and today has been incredibly busy. The future of this community is bright and it’s great to be a part of it.’
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